US secretary of state Marco Rubio and first lady Melania Trump will be hosting a host the annual International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards on Tuesday to celebrate and recognise women who have portrayed ‘exceptional courage, strength and leadership,’ from around the world.
The 19th edition of the ceremony will be held at the department of state. The secretary of state’s IWOC Award has honoured more than 200 women from more than 90 countries since its inception in 2007. US embassies around the world put forward nominees from their respective host nations, with senior officials selecting the final awardees.
Women student leaders who played a major role in the protests against former Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina’s government, last year, are also set to receive the prestigious. These women, described as “key drivers” in the movement, will be honoured with the ‘Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award’, named in tribute to the first woman to serve as US Secretary of State.
The US state department highlighted their fearless role in the July-August 2024 protests, where they stood against violent repression, despite threats and physical danger.
“A valiant group of women were key drivers in the student protest movement against violent repression in Bangladesh in July-August 2024. They demonstrated extraordinary bravery, including standing between security forces and male protestors in spite of threats and violence,” the state department said, quoted by PTI.
It further added that when their male counterparts were arrested, these women found innovative ways to continue communication and lead the protests, defying censorship efforts, even during the complete shutdown of the Internet.
“The bravery and selflessness of these women amid uncertainty was the very definition of courage.”
Alongside the Bangladeshi student leaders, this year’s IWOC Award recipients include:
- Namini Wijedasa (Sri Lanka) – An award-winning journalist who has reported Sri Lanka’s civil conflict and corruption. “Over time, her focus shifted to combating corruption through investigative reporting, bringing critical accountability issues to the forefront and inspiring the next generation of journalists,” the state department said. Despite restrictive legislation that has suppressed press freedom, Wijedasa remained steadfast in her pursuit of transparency and justice.
- Amit Soussana (Israel) – A survivor of the 7 October, 2023 Hamas attack, Soussana became a leading voice for hostages still held in Gaza. As a lawyer and member of the Israel Bar Association, she has used her personal experience to advocate for those who remain in captivity, raising awareness of the trauma faced by women, men, and children.
